A former construction boss is on the fast track to becoming a chartered surveyor after joining an expanding company in Hampshire.
Simon Lee has become the 18th member of staff at McAndrew Martin chartered surveyors as it steps up expansion in its 25th year.
He has started as a trainee surveyor at the firm after graduating with a Masters Degree in Property Development from the University of Portsmouth School of Civil Engineering and Surveying .
Simon, who is 51, is on the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) fast-track graduate course to professional membership because of his experience and background.
Ian Lee, a director at Portsmouth-based McAndrew Martin, said: “Simon’s addition represents more expansion as we continue to see demand for our services grow.
“We have a dedicated, highly-experienced and talented team but are always looking to bring in new employees of the right calibre.
“Simon will be particularly valuable as much of our growth is in the residential sector, where we have carried out 40% more surveys compared with this time last year.”
Simon is being sponsored by McAndrew Martin to complete his fast-track graduate course to become a professional member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
He could face his crunch Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) interview and become a qualified as a professional Member of RICS (MRICS) as early as May.
Simon trained in engineering at Portsmouth dockyard and worked as an operations manager for asset management companies before moving into construction in the late 1980s.
He ran his own company, based in Rowlands Castle, from 1991 to 2007.
Simon, who is no relation to Ian Lee, said: “With my background, it was a natural progression into the surveying profession for me.
“Joining such a well-known and long-established firm as McAndrew Martin means I will benefit from a wealth of opportunities and expertise.
“I have joined at the right time as the company expands and goes from strength to strength. I am looking forward to making a valuable contribution to its continuing success.”
Simon’s appointment comes hot on the heels of the Brunel Design Group becoming part of McAndrew Martin in January of this year.
Tim Goodhead, postgraduate programme leader in the school of civil engineering at the University of Portsmouth, said: “Simon was an excellent student.
“He produced a dissertation looking at the application of smart technology in the world of building surveying – this earned him a distinction in his studies.”
It comes as growth was further upgraded in the Budget this year to 2.7 per cent for 2014.
